Signal switch



C. C. HAY

SIGNAL SWITCH Oct. 2 6,` 1.937..

Filed Nov. 22, 1934 Patented Oct. 2,6, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to an improved signal switch and seeks among other objects, to provide a switch of this character which is adapted for readily closing an electric circuit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signal switch which may be mounted on the dashboard of a motor vehicle and which will employ a lever movable to various closed positions but which, in open position, will permit opening of the circuit.

As a further object, the invention seeks to pro'- vide a switch wherein the plunger employed will automatically be restored to open position by a spring surrounding the rod which mounts the plunger on the dashboard.

Other and incidental objects of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of my improved switch, partly shown in elevation.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic View showing a circuit embodiment for my improved signal switch.

My improved signal switch includes a circuit closer having terminals II and I2. The circuit closer is secured upon and insulated from the dash I3 of the vehicle and the side members thereof cooperate with a plunger I4 which is carried by the lower end of a flange or head I5 on the front end of a rod I6 slidably mounted in but insulated from the instrument board I6 of the Vehicle immediately above the mounting of the circuit closer. A plate 50, of insulating material, insulates the circuit closer from the instrument board I6. The plate 50 is provided with integral guide sleeves 5| and 52. 'Ihe plunger I4 is insulated from the head or flange I5 by a block II of insulation inserted between and connecting said elements, as shown in Figure 3. On the rear end of the rod I6 is a knob or stop I8 which, by impinging against the rear side of the instrument board as shown in Figure 3, limits the circuitopening movement of the rod, and an expansion 45 spring I9 coiled around the rod between the head I5 and the instrument board serves to normally hold the plunger away from the circuit closer so that the circuit is normally broken. slidably mounted in the instrument board above the rod IB is an operating bar 20 having any suitable form of handle 2l on its rear end whereby it may be manipulated by the chauffeur of the vehicle. The rod I6 and the bar 20 are slidably received through and guided by the guide sleeves 5I and 52. Near its forward end a pusher arm 22 depends therefrom in advance of the head or flange I'I and normally in spaced relation thereto, as shown in Figure 3. A cable 23 is attached to the forward end of the slide 20 and is trained about guide pulleys 24 on the vehicle to pass up through the ligure 2 and be secured to a crank 25 projecting from the edge of the pivot member 26 of the arm 4, as clearly shown in Figure 2. In the upper edge of the slide 20 is a series of notches 21, in any one of which may be engaged a resilient detent 28 which is secured upon the forward side of the instrument board, as clearly shown in Figure 3.

The operation of my improved switch will be readily understood. The handle 2| may be manually engaged for shifting the slide 20 outwardly and engaging the resilient detent 28 in any suitable one of the notches 2l. As the slide or operating bar 20 is moved outwardly, the arm 22 engages the head I5 and urges said head inwardly against the tension of the spring I9. The plunger I4 will be engaged in the terminals II and I2 of the circuit closer for closing an electric circuit. It will be understood that, if desired, a suitable cable, such as shown at 23, may be engaged with the end of the rod for permitting the simultaneous operation of a suitable mechanical warning signal.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

In a circuit closer, an insulating plate adapted to be secured to a dashboard and having guide sleeves, a circuit closer carried on the insulating plate a head, a rod slidably connecting the head with the insulating plate and slidably mounted in a guide sleeve thereof, a stop limiting the movement of the rod at one end thereof, a plunger, an insulating block connecting the plunger with the head, said plunger being adapted to electrically connect terminals of the circuit closer as the rod is shifted inwardly, an expansion spring adapted to urge the plunger and head out of engagement with the circuit closer, an operating bar slidable through the insulating plate and other guide sleeve thereof in spaced relation to the rod and having a pusher arm, said pusher arm being adapted to engage the head as the rod is pulled rearwardly for urging the plunger into engagement with the contacts and closing an electric circuit, said bar being adapted for simultaneously operating a mechanical device, and means for retaining the bar in a desired operative position, said rod and head being limited against rotative movement in their respective sleeves.

CLARENCE C. HAY. 

